Caring for Someone Sick at Home
Check for Fluid Loss
This website is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated. For updated information on the 2011-2012 flu season, see the CDC Seasonal Flu website.
December 5, 2009, 6:00 AM ET
Use this list to check for dehydration:
- Make sure babies have wet diapers. Check that wet diapers
are as frequent and heavy as normal. - Look for tears when the baby or toddler is crying.
- Check to see how wet the child’s mouth is. The inside of the mouth should be wet. Wash your hands after you do this.
- Check to see that children, teens, and adults are making frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate.
- Check the urine color. Clear or light yellow-colored urine means the person is getting enough fluid. Dark yellow urine signals the person is dehydrated.
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